According to the BBC, the man who jumped on Kim’s back was not a known figure in the country’s politics, but appeared to be a mid-level officer.

North Korea expert Michael Madden told the BBC that the photos are part of the leader’s latest image strategy.

“This fits into the image [Kim] Jong-un has tried to cultivate – that he is more open, on an interpersonal basis, than his father,” Madden said. “It conveys a certain sense of political confidence in his rule and leadership of the country. If he didn’t feel secure, then he wouldn’t allow these images to be disseminated – he would need to appear distant and cold.”